Bob Dylan Personally Handles The Script In New Biopic

After years of anticipation, the Bob Dylan biopic titled “A Complete Unknown” is finally gaining momentum. Director James Mangold, known for his work on “Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny,” recently revealed that the film’s script has received extensive annotations and personal guidance from the iconic musician himself.

Dylan’s Active Involvement and Annotated Script

In an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, director James Mangold expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with Bob Dylan. He described their meetings as “wonderfully charming” and revealed that Dylan offered extensive notes on the script. Mangold explained:

“I have a script that’s personally annotated by him and treasured by me.”

This personal involvement from Dylan showcases his deep connection to the project.

Mangold further emphasized Dylan’s active engagement in the biopic, stating:

“He loves movies. The first time I sat down with Bob, one of the first things he said to me was, ‘I love Copland’.”

This reference to Mangold’s 1997 film starring Sylvester Stallone suggests that Dylan’s appreciation for the director’s work played a role in his involvement.

A Unique Approach: A Moment in Time

Mangold clarified that “A Complete Unknown” does not follow the traditional cradle-to-grave structure of a biopic. Instead, the film focuses on a specific moment in Bob Dylan’s life, providing a unique perspective on his journey. Mangold explained:

“The best true-life movies are never cradle to grave, but they’re about a very specific moment. In this case, it might sound Altman-esque, but it’s a kind of ensemble piece about this moment in time, the early ’60s in New York.”

The director highlighted the narrative’s exploration of a 17-year-old Dylan’s journey to meet his idol, Woody Guthrie, who was hospitalized and battling a nerve disease. Mangold shared that the film examines Dylan’s interactions with influential figures like Pete Seeger and Joan Baez, which ultimately shaped his path as a legendary musician. This focus on a defining moment allows for a more nuanced portrayal of Dylan’s transformative experiences.

Capturing Dylan’s Impact on the Folk Scene

Mangold emphasized the film’s exploration of how Dylan’s arrival in the folk scene created waves of change. He stated:

“It all has tremendous relevance even now because of the way we are all so tribalized with rules about what our music should be, about what our rules are, how we speak, how we express ourselves.”

The director believes that Dylan’s constant challenge of boundaries and societal expectations is a crucial aspect of his story, making it a testament to artistic rebellion and transformation.